Hard water contains a high concentration of minerals like calcium, fluoride, and iron. While well water is often hard, some municipal water can also contain minerals. Unless it’s run through a water softener before use, hard water causes several problems, including the following.

What Hard Water Does Without a Water Softener

1. Creates Soap Scum

Soap molecules clean surfaces by binding to dirt. When mixed in with hard water, the soap binds to the minerals in the water instead. This means you need to use more soap to clean the same amount of dirt, creating a layer of soap scum—the product of soap and minerals that have bound together. This grayish film can leave your skin, hair, and clothing dull after washing.

2. Leaves Water Spots & Stains

Water spots are the minerals from the water that are left behind when the water evaporates. They can appear on counters, windows, dishes, and other glass surfaces. If you have iron in your water, the stains are even worse. The deposits are orange, red, or brown from rust, and can appear in your sink and toilet bowl as well.

3. Builds Up on Fixtures & Appliances

Most objects that have water spots can be cleaned again, but for items that get wet more frequently, the mineral deposits tend to build over time. Faucets, showerheads, and even the insides of pipes and appliances get clogged with hard mineral deposits.

These minerals are unattractive and they can block the flow of water. Without a water softener, you’ll spend more on replacing or repairing all your water-using appliances and fixtures, including dishwashers, washing machines, water heaters, and freezers.

If you have hard water, you can fix the problem with a water softener from Niebuhr Plumbing & Heating in La Crosse County, WI. Since 1900, they’ve provided plumbing and heating services, including installing water softeners, fixing HVAC units, and cleaning drains. They were recently recognized as the best plumber in La Crosse County for 2019 for their exceptional work. To learn more information, call (608) 782-1700 or visit their website.